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| Path: Main Street : NewsWeek : Archive : NewsBytes : Article |
This is an archive of CharityVillage NewsWeek. To find a word on the page,
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at their publishing date, the quick-changing nature of the web means that some
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To view other articles in the archive, use our Chronological Index.
NewsBytes: June, 2005
Articles are arranged in reverse chronological order.
Corporations pitching in to help Alberta flood victims
June 27, 2005
Several of Canada's major banks have stepped forward with donations to help the Canadian Red Cross in its effort to assist Albertans cope with the widespread flooding that is affecting that province. CIBC, RBC Financial, and TD Bank each donated $25,000, while Manulife Financial contributed $10,000 to the relief effort. As well, Canadian Tire launched a collection in partnership with the Salvation Army to help raise funds for families affected by the floods. The collection will take place at Canadian Tire and Mark's Work Wearhouse stores across Alberta and the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families will match donations dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. For more information about the Red Cross Disaster Response effort, visit: www.redcross.ca. For more information about the Salvation Army response, visit: www.ab.salvationarmy.ca.
June 27, 2005
Ontario entrepreneur and philanthropist Seymour Schulich donated $25 million to the University of Calgary last week. The funds will go to the university's faculty of engineering, which is now called the Schulich School of Engineering. The province of Alberta is matching the donation through its new Access to the Future Fund, for a total of $50 million - making this endowment the largest charitable donation in the university's 39-year history. The funds will be used to establish three new research chairs, as well as more than 100 annual scholarships for engineering students. "Engineers play a vital role in creating the infrastructure and services that supports the standard of living and freedoms we enjoy in our modern society," said Schulich. "We need more engineers in Canada." For more information, visit: www.ucalgary.ca/news/schulich.
Fast Fact: Most nonprofits lack effective communications strategy
June 27, 2005
According to a study conducted by Cause Communications, 90% of executive directors and senior communications staff members at nonprofit organizations report that their organizations do not conduct market research to better understand their audience or test the effectiveness of their communications. Eighty percent said their board discusses communications once a year or less, and 85% report that their groups do not regularly include communications staff members in the decision-making process. Fifty-nine percent of respondents said their communications budget "could be better," and another 12% said they have no communications budget at all. Only 20% know what their peers are doing in the area of communications. -- Cause Communications
June 27, 2005
A $5 million gift to the York University Foundation will help establish a research and clinical institute at the university. The Milton and Ethel Harris Research Initiative (MEHRI), the first of its kind in Canada, uses the pioneering clinical technique of DIR (Individual-Difference Relationship-Based Therapy), an intervention approach that mobilizes the emotions of children to promote healthy development. The $5 million contribution from the Harris family is the single largest private research donation in York's history. For more information, visit: www.yorku.ca.
June 27, 2005
The Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations (CCVO) released a new study that explores the strengths and challenges of voluntary sector organizations in Calgary. Strength Under Stress: A Portrait of Calgary's Voluntary Sector serves as a snapshot of organizations' capacity to address the issues and contribute to the quality of life in their community. The study found that organizations in Calgary experience many of the same difficulties faced by organizations across the country, including: a lack of sustainable funding; human resources concerns; difficulty in finding resources to manage relationships and partnerships, with other organizations and with funders and the community; an inability to make long term decisions and implement strategic plans due to funding uncertainty; and challenges monitoring and managing information technology and maintaining physical infrastructure. To download the report in PDF format, visit: www.calgarycvo.org.
June 27, 2005
The latest Giving USA philanthropy report finds that charitable giving rose by 2.3% in 2004, to $248.5 billion. It is the first increase in three years and many fundraisers are optimistic that the upward trend will continue in 2005. Gifts to foundations grew by 8%, a bigger percentage gain than to any other type of nonprofit organization. Environmental organizations reported the next largest percentage increase, with 4.2%, followed by public-society benefit (4.1%), arts and culture (3.9%), education (2.7%), health (2.3%), and religion (1.7%). However, not every sector experienced an increase in giving last year. Donations to social service groups fell by 1.1%, while international groups faced a 1.8% decline. Among smaller organizations, those with budgets under $1 million, less than half raised more money in 2004 than they did in 2003. -- Giving USA
June 27, 2005
The University of Ottawa announced that it is establishing a new program in Jewish Canadian Studies, thanks to a $1 million donation from Sara and Zeev Vered. The Vered Jewish Canadian Studies Program will focus on the history, culture, and literature of the Jewish diaspora in Canada, with teaching, research and continuing education in both English and French dedicated to improving dialogue between Jews and non-Jews. "We are pleased to be able to support this exciting new program," said Sara Vered. "We strongly believe in the University of Ottawa's plans to build a sustainable program of scholarship in Jewish Canadian Studies on a national scale." For more information, visit: www.media.uottawa.ca.
June 27, 2005
Vancity, Canada's largest credit union, announced that it has established long-term partnerships, valued at more than $480,000, with two international development organizations. The funds will support the Canadian Cooperative Association (CCA) and MATCH International in their efforts to help rebuild parts of Southeast Asia devastated by the 2004 tsunami. "Both Vancity and its employees have demonstrated their commitment to make a difference both in the short- and long-terms in Southeast Asia," says Elain Duvall, chair of the Vancity Board of Directors. "It's a remarkable demonstration of generosity and strategic thinking." For more information, visit: www.vancity.com.
June 27, 2005
A survey of people between the ages of 50 and 70 found that almost half hope to take jobs after they retire that improve the quality of life in their communities. The desire for such jobs was most prevalent among the baby boomer generation, those ages 50-59. Sixty-five percent of these respondents said they want work to continue to be part of their lives after passing the traditional retirement age, and 58% say they want jobs that benefit their community. Many respondents (60%) cited continued involvement with people as a very important reason why they would continue to work after retirement, while 57% said it was very important that a job give them a sense of purpose. Jobs in education and social work were among the top categories respondents expressed interest in, however, less than 15% think it will be very easy to find such jobs. -- Civic Ventures
June 20, 2005
Ron Joyce, the former police officer who turned Tim Hortons into an international franchise, donated $10 million last week toward the construction of a new stadium at McMaster University. It is the largest private donation made to a Canadian university athletics facility. "Sports and recreation of all types are vital to the development of people of all ages," said Joyce. "McMaster is a great school with winning sports teams, and I'm proud to be able to help McMaster and its students to build a stadium showcasing its range of athletic programs; one that will also boost school spirit and good health. This stadium will be a tremendous asset for both the university and the Hamilton community." For more information, visit: dailynews.mcmaster.ca.
June 20, 2005
A new report released by the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada) indicates there are many inconsistencies in the way Canadian companies are reporting their sustainability practices and initiatives. Measuring Up: A Study on Corporate Sustainability Reporting in Canada found that, among organizations with a comprehensive sustainability reporting program, nearly one-third (31.4%) cite lack of credibility of sustainability reports as the biggest issue. The study made a number of recommendations, including that reporting should remain voluntary, at least in the short-term, and that globally-accepted guidelines are required, as are steps to improve the credibility of the reports and reward reporting companies. For more information, visit: www.cga-canada.org.
June 20, 2005
According to KPMG's International Survey of Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting 2005, Canada's corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting has improved significantly since 2002, now ranking third worldwide. The survey found that 41% of Canadian companies now issue a stand-alone corporate responsibility (CR) report separate from their annual report. This is more than twice the number that did so in 2002. The top two countries for 2005 were Japan (80%) and the UK (71%), The survey results further indicate that 52% of the 250 largest companies in the world now issue separate reports, up nine percentage points from 2002. While 74% of all companies surveyed noted that 'economic reasons' were the most important business driver for their reporting standards, more than 50% said their CR behavior is motivated by ethics, values, and codes of conduct that guide their daily business operations. -- KPMG
June 20, 2005
Last week, the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) announced the establishment of a $7 million endowment for paediatric services at North York General Hospital. Income earned on the endowment will be used to support the recent expansion of the hospital, including a neonatal intensive care unit, paediatric surgical facilities and equipment, and a birthing centre. "This is an exciting announcement for the hospital and, most importantly, the children and families the hospital serves. The endowment ensures we are ready to meet the changing health care needs of our community and build on the strengths of our comprehensive paediatric services," said Ken Morrison, past chair of the North York General Hospital Board of Governors. For more information, visit: www.nygh.on.ca.
June 20, 2005
The ePhilanthropy Foundation issued a worldwide call for entries for the First Annual International ePhilanthropy Awards. Web sites can be nominated in four categories, including: best online donations/fundraising (revenue generating) campaign; best event registration and/or membership campaign; best community building/volunteerism and/or activism (non-revenue) campaign; and best ephilanthropy research project. Sites will be judged on the basis of content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality, interactivity, use of the Internet to build relationships, community and outreach, innovative techniques, fundraising effectiveness, attention to privacy and security issues, and overall experience. The deadline for nominations is August 1st. For more information, visit: ephilanthropy.org/Awards.
June 20, 2005
The University of Toronto's Joseph L. Rotman School of Management announced a gift of $10 million from the Canadian Credit Management Foundation (CCMF). The funds will be directed to the Marcel Desautels Centre for Integrative Thinking, which is working to develop the world's first truly integrative business school curriculum. "As global business becomes increasingly complex, formulaic approaches to problem solving are increasingly ineffective," said Roger Martin, dean of the Rotman School. "Success in today's environment does not result from emulating others but from using organizational assets to build unique models, products and experiences. Such creative business solutions are not the result of simplification and specialization but of what we at the Rotman School call integrative thinking." For more information, visit: www.news.utoronto.ca.
June 20, 2005
Corporate Knights magazine recently unveiled its list of the best 50 corporate citizens in Canada for 2005. All of the major banks made it onto the list, including the Bank of Montreal, which came in first overall. Shoppers Drug Mart came in second, followed by IGM Financial Inc, Laurentian Bank of Canada, Husky Injection Moldings Systems, Torstar Corporation, TELUS, Interface Inc., TD Bank, and CIBC. Key indicators that helped determine the rankings include: shareholder conflict, lobbying, toxic releases, work stoppages, pension plan coverage, key executive retention, and board independence and diversity. For more information, visit: www.corporateknights.ca.
June 20, 2005
Having a worthy cause is not enough to motivate donors to give to your organization, finds a new study about consumer perceptions. The survey, conducted by the American Marketing Association, reveals that for 78% of Americans, trust in a nonprofit organization is the most important factor when considering a donation, followed by the organization's reputation. When asked about other factors affecting organizational perceptions, having a celebrity endorser appears to carry little weight - 58% of those surveyed found a celebrity endorsement to be 'not at all important', with just 16% of respondents calling it 'very important'. Personal experience, personal knowledge of others having donated, and receiving support from an organization, trail all other factors that could influence an individual's reason for giving. -- American Marketing Association
June 20, 2005
Project Water is currently accepting requests from nonprofit organizations in the Greater Toronto Area. The project evolved in response to the dehydration crisis that people on the streets face during the summer months. Over the past four summers, Project Water has located and distributed more than 800,000 bottles of donated water to over 100 frontline agencies in the GTA. Requests will be accepted until June 24th and pick-up and distribution will be on July 6th only, in the afternoon. Because of the high demand for water and the limited supply, frontline service providers with no access to running water (i.e. outreach programs) will be given first priority. To fill out a request form, visit: www.bargainsgroup.com.
June 20, 2005
The African Medical & Research Foundation (AMREF) is the 2005 recipient of the $1 million Gates Award for Global Health, the world's largest prize for international health. The award recognizes extraordinary achievement in improving health in the developing world and aims to draw attention to some of the most effective and inspiring efforts that do so. "Solutions to poverty and health can come from Africa and must come from Africa," said Alanna Rondi, executive director of AMREF Canada. "By recognizing AMREF, an African organization, The Gates Foundation has demonstrated their support in African innovation and will hopefully send a clear message to world leaders that Africa must be reconstructed by Africans." AMREF, founded in 1957 as the Flying Doctors of East Africa, is the oldest and largest health organization based in African and run by Africans. In Canada, AMREF works to raise funds, educate the Canadian public, and forge partnerships with other Canadian organizations. For more information about AMREF Canada, visit: www.amrefcanada.org.
June 20, 2005
Toyota Motor Corporation is currently accepting applications for its 2005 Toyota Environmental Activities Grant Program. The program is designed to support environmental revitalization and conservation activities for the purpose of sustainable development. Nonprofit organizations from around the world are invited to apply for grants for community-based practical projects under the theme of "Environmental Technology and Human Resource Development Contributing to Environmental Revitalization and Conservation". The deadline for submissions is July 8th. For more information or to apply, visit: www.toyota.co.jp/en/environment/ecogrant/.
June 13, 2005
Eight national organizations are joining forces to launch a new project intended to raise awareness about the Canadian voluntary sector. The purpose of the Voluntary Sector Awareness Project (funded by Social Development Canada and led by Imagine Canada) is to generate dialogue and solicit feedback from a broad range of charities and nonprofits. During the summer of 2005 a short discussion paper will be widely disseminated outlining the benefits and challenges of creating a 'unified voice' for the voluntary sector. The purpose of the paper is to both raise interest and seek input on the value of a more integrated sector-wide communications strategy.
Then in the fall, 100 community conversations will be held across the country, involving thousands of local and provincial organizations in order to deepen and enrich this dialogue and feedback process. Organizations can get involved in the project by ordering a copy of the discussion paper, attending a community conversation, participating in the public campaign using the materials and messaging provided, or by simply offering feedback. For more information, contact project coordinator Melissa Roy at: mroy@imaginecanada.ca.
June 13, 2005
Charity.ca announced that it will no longer be accepting online donations on behalf of charities after June 30th. The site has served as an online donation gateway for Canadian donors and charities for several years. However, Artez Interactive, which provided the technology behind the portal, has decided to cease operation of this service to Charity.ca. "When Charity.ca was originally conceived, it was intended to provide Canadian donors with tools to help them more effectively manage their philanthropic activity. Artez would like to return Charity.ca to that original vision," explains Philip King, Artez president and CEO. Artez will continue to provide Internet campaign management tools to organizations that are taking a strategic approach to Internet fundraising. Charity.ca is inviting charities that are interested in adding a 'donate button' to their web site, to visit CanadaHelps.org as an alternative. For more information, visit: www.charity.ca.
June 13, 2005
British Columbians showed their generosity by helping the BC Children's Hospital raise more than $10 million during its Miracle Weekend fundraising telethon. The event surpassed last year's total of $8.6 million and set a North American record. "We know of no other community event of this magnitude," said Sue Carruthers, president and CEO of the BC Children's Hospital Foundation. "Through philanthropy we, as a society, are demonstrating with our hearts and our dollars, that we can all work together to ensure our children have the best possible care." For more information, visit: www.bcchf.ca.
June 13, 2005
The Chronicle of Philanthropy's sixth annual survey of online fundraising found that many of America's largest charities received twice as much money via the Internet in 2004 as they did in 2003. Electronic gifts to the 174 organizations that provided data for this year's survey topped $167.3 million. However, online contributions still account for only a small percentage of overall fundraising revenue, amounting to less than 1% of total revenue for 117 of the 141 charities that provided their 2004 fundraising totals. Still, 39 organizations reported raising more than $1 million online, and of those charities, seven raised more than $5 million. -- Chronicle of Philanthropy
June 13, 2005
The University of Toronto announced that local philanthropist Bernard Herman is contributing $1 million to help restore the university's heritage property at One Spadina Crescent. Herman's gift will refurbish the three-storey building's entrance and grand staircase to create the Sharon and Bernard Herman Lobby. It is the first step in restoring the historic building, which houses U of T's Department of Fine Art in the Faculty of Arts and Science. "Mr. Herman has made an important contribution towards preserving the city's architectural past and securing a dynamic future for the arts at U of T," said Professor Pekka Sinervo, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science. For more information, visit: www.news.utoronto.ca.
June 13, 2005
The AIDS Committee of Toronto (ACT) finds itself at the centre of controversy following an event that paired Hindu imagery with a cowboy theme. About 5,000 people attended ACT's annual Fashion Cares gala last week to raise money for AIDS prevention and treatment. The cover of the Fashion Cares program, handed out at the show, depicts a model in a stylized pose of the multi-armed Lakshmi, goddess of wealth. She is sitting cross-legged in the lotus position and is nude except for strategically placed sparkles. "It's totally despicable to present a nude exhibition of a goddess. Hindus are docile and laid-back people, and they (ACT) obviously took advantage of that, but we won't stand for this," said Dr. Budhendra Doobay, head of the Vishnu Hindu temple in Richmond Hill. ACT, which expects to raise more than $1 million from the event, has issued an apology on its web site. "ACT regrets any offence that was caused. Our intention was to have a great event to raise money for a worthwhile cause," said Karim Karsan, an ACT spokesperson and board member. For more information, visit: www.actoronto.org.
June 13, 2005
McDonald's Caravan recently presented a cheque for $668,215 to organizations working to promote children's causes and hockey programs. The donation was made by McDonald's Caravan organizers with the participation of Joel Bouchard, New York Rangers defenseman and the originator of the Caravan, as well as several NHL players who played in the Caravan's hockey games. "From the outset, my goal for the McDonald's Caravan was to raise as much money as possible for children's causes," said Bouchard. "With the support of hockey fans throughout Quebec, and especially in the 16 cities visited by the Caravan, we made good on that aim." The three McDonald's Caravan teams include approximately 30 professional hockey players from Quebec. For more information about McDonald's Caravan, visit: www.caravanemcdo.com.
June 13, 2005
TD Waterhouse announced the launch of Investing in Youth, a national outreach program designed to increase the participation of inner-city youth in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program. The initiative aims to increase public awareness of the award program and ensure that it is made available, without barriers, to all inner-city youth who want to participate. TD Waterhouse is provide $400,000 in funding for the employment of field officers who will introduce the award to communities, as well as recruit and provide support to participants. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program is open to Canadians between the ages of 14 and 25, regardless of circumstance or ability. Participants achieve the award by attaining personally established goals in community service, skills development, physical fitness, and outdoor expeditions. For more information about the award, visit: www.dukeofed.org.
June 13, 2005
An annual study of 317 private and community foundations and operating charities reported an average annual total return of 11.4%, compared with 17% in the 2003 fiscal year. Smaller foundations ($10 - 500 million in assets) generally outperformed larger foundations ($501 million - $1 billion in assets). The average reported three-year return was 7.5%, and the five-year return was 3.9%. In terms of gifts and donations, more than half (57%) of all foundations reported an increase. Among the largest foundations, 75% reported increases in gifts. -- Commonfund Institute
June 13, 2005
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) is calling on its Canadian members to contact the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Natural Resources, Science and Technology (INDU). The committee is currently in the process of finalizing legislation that would give the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) authority to implement and administer a federal Do-Not-Call List. Last week, the committee accepted an amendment that would exempt only those charities that are registered under the Income Tax Act. The AFP feels it is imperative that members of the INDU Committee reconsider amendments that would provide a broad exemption for all nonprofits, not just registered charities. For more information, visit: www.afpnet.org.
June 13, 2005
Dr. Earl Russell, a London-area doctor, is contributing $900,000 to the University of Western Ontario's Schulich School of Medicine to help pay for research into pain management. This is in addition to $1.1 million he gave to the university three years ago to establish the Earl Russell chair in pain management. "My interest in helping people who suffer from chronic pain began half a century ago and I am still deeply committed to it today," said Russell. "I'm pleased to continue supporting this important area of research because for me it seems like the right thing to do." For more information, visit: communications.uwo.ca.
June 6, 2005
Last week, the Canadian Red Cross pleaded guilty to distributing blood products in the 1980s that were infected with HIV and hepatitis C. "Red Cross deeply regrets not developing and adopting measures more quickly to reduce the risk of infection," said secretary general and CEO Dr. Pierre Duplessis. "We could have and should have done more - and we accept responsibility for that. We are very sorry for the suffering it has caused and apologize to those who were infected and their families."
In entering its plea in Ontario Superior Court, the Red Cross announced two initiatives it is undertaking to help assure the blood tragedy is not repeated or forgotten. The first is a $750,000 contribution to a scholarship fund for students in Canada whose lives were affected by the distribution of tainted blood. The charity will also contribute $750,000 to establish, administer, and carry out a National Medical Error Project dedicated to the eradication of casualties caused by inadequate or improper practices in the health care system. For more information, visit: www.redcross.ca.
June 6, 2005
The Ontario government released a much-anticipated report last week about the best way to award home-care contracts. Elinor Caplan, a former Liberal MP and Ontario health minister, was appointed to review the contract tendering process last year, after a number of nonprofit providers lost home care contracts to for-profit companies. Much to the dismay of many nonprofit home care organizations, her review endorsed the competitive bidding process. "Competitive bidding keeps everyone on their toes and ensures that they're striving to provide clients with the best quality care," said Caplan. "We don't want complacency, nor do we want inefficiency." In her review, she offered 70 recommendations, including that the province establish a centre for quality and research in home care to set benchmarks for service.
Many in the nonprofit sector were disappointed with the outcome of the review. "We've seen the not-for-profit sector decimated with this competitive bidding and yet [Caplan] didn't have the ability to even address that issue and is in fact endorsing it and singing its praises," said Leah Casselman, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union. "I think she should have scrapped the competitive bidding." The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario also called for an end to competitive bidding but said that if implemented, the recommendations would improve working conditions and provide stable care for clients. For more information or to download the full report, visit: www.health.gov.on.ca.
June 6, 2005
A survey of nonprofit organizations and associations shows that more than 54% of respondents either use e-learning or plan to in the next 12 months, and another 36% are interested in e-learning but are not using it right now. Those nonprofits that have implemented e-learning are using it for multiple purposes and audiences. Internally, 67% use e-learning for staff training, and 34% use it for volunteer training. As well, 52% of organizations use e-learning for public workshops, and 24% use it for advocacy and issue education for donors or the general public. -- Isoph
June 6, 2005
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) recently updated its granting guidelines and grant application form for Ontario community organizations seeking grants. Improvements include helpful tools and tips, as well as an application writing guide, all available online. The new guidelines reflect four granting priorities for the foundation:OTF supports community-based initiatives in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services, and sports and recreation sectors. Grant applications deadlines are March 1, July 1, and November 1. For more information about the new guidelines, visit: www.trilliumfoundation.org.
- enhanced success for students and learners
- healthier and more physically active Ontarians
- enhanced employment and economic potential for workers and their families
- more effective volunteers and more people engaged in their communities
June 6, 2005
The eighth annual Sports Celebrities Festival was held in Montreal last week, raising $503,000 through silent and live auctions. The success of this Special Olympics Quebec event was thanks in part to the participation of more than 60 professional and amateur athletes. "These funds help the Special Olympics movement in Quebec fulfill its mission to enrich the lives of individuals with an intellectual disability through sport," said board chair Daniel Granger. "More than 3,500 athletes have the opportunity to participate in specifically designed training programs and competitions that foster their personal development and social inclusion." For more information about Special Olympics Quebec, visit: www.josq.qc.ca.
June 6, 2005
A new report from the UK-based National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) asserts that there are many opportunities for the voluntary and community sector to play a role in the reform of public services. The reform of public services: the role of the voluntary sector recommends that voluntary and community organizations (VCOs) should engage in this agenda on their own terms - where it is in the best interests of a particular VCO and its members or beneficiaries. However, while VCOs do have an important role to play in public service delivery, the report also points out that they need to ensure a balance between this and their wider role in supporting and promoting civil society. For more information or to download the report, visit: www.ncvo-vol.org.uk.
June 6, 2005
A unique public education package was unveiled last week to raise awareness of the need for responsive, quality child care services in rural, remote, and northern communities across the country. Child Care...We're Worth It!, which includes a CD and poster package, is being distributed nationally to politicians, government staff, community organizations, and residents of rural, remote, and northern Canada. "Many jurisdictions are charting their course, negotiating for the new federal child care dollars, and we want to ensure that families in rural, remote, and northern communities are a significant part of that plan," said Carol Gott, co-manager of the project's sponsor, Rural Voices. For more information, visit: ruralvoices.cimnet.ca or call 807-466-4594.
June 6, 2005
Canadians spent $22.8 billion on cultural goods and services in 2003, amounting to about $758 per capita. This is greater than the amount consumers spent on tobacco, alcohol, and gambling combined. Home entertainment (52%) and reading material (20%) account for the bulk of cultural spending, followed by photographic equipment and services (9%), art works and events (9%), movie theatre admissions (6%), and art supplies and musical instruments (4%). Overall, spending on cultural goods and services grew by 36% between 1997 and 2003. -- Hill Strategies Research
June 6, 2005
Johnson & Johnson (J&J), working in conjunction with the Society for the Arts in Healthcare (SAH), aims to promote the use of the arts to enhance the healthcare experience for patients, their families, and caregivers. The 2005 Johnson & Johnson/Society for the Arts in Healthcare Partnership to Promote Arts and Healing Grant Program is currently seeking proposals from healthcare organizations and/or arts agencies in Canada and the US that are working in partnership to produce innovative projects to serve patients, their families, and caregivers in healthcare settings, and to promote healing and preventative health. The deadline for Letters of Intent is August 22, 2005. For more information or application guidelines, visit: www.thesah.org.
June 6, 2005
The recently launched Media Foundation is a new national organization that offers training seminars and events specifically targeted at the voluntary sector. By bringing corporate communicators together with those working in not-for-profits, the foundation will provide resources and information that many working in the sector may not have had access to previously. All events and training seminars will be led by a panel of communications experts working across a wide range of communications areas, including marketing, graphic design, fundraising, feature writing, website development, media relations, and corporate governance. For more information about the foundation or upcoming events, visit: www.themediafoundation.com.
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